Get ready for a trip through American history when you visit Illinois’ capital city of Springfield.
Located about 200 miles (320km) southwest of Chicago in the central part of the state, Springfield is home to an entertaining array of historical attractions, but one figure towers above the rest, literally and figuratively: Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln’s legacy can be felt everywhere you go in Springfield, and a great place to start is at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, one of the most popular presidential attractions in the country. There, visitors can explore interactive displays and see a state-of-the-art holographic presentation featuring the famed president. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site preserves Lincoln’s Springfield home amid a historic neighborhood, and the Old State Capitol—a restored building where Lincoln gave his famous “a house divided” speech—was Illinois’ capitol building from 1839 to 1876.
Another American historical icon can be found in Springfield, too, but it’s not a person—it’s Route 66, the famous “Mother Road” that runs from Chicago to California. Springfield offers Route 66 road trippers a great selection of attractions related to this national treasure, including the Route 66 Experience, which features a photo-worthy Neon Sign Park and a 25-foot-tall fiberglass Route 66 muffler man, once a common sight along the highway. Route 66 is also famous for its drive-ins, diners, and other eateries, and visitors to Springfield can sample the original “hot dog on a stick” at the Cozy Dog Drive In or try a loose meat sandwich at Maid Rite, the first drive-thru restaurant in the U.S.
Plan your Springfield visit today to discover this historic treasure in the heart of America.
